Newton joins third-year head coach Tom Carmean following two seasons on the men's lacrosse staff at Birmingham Southern College. He served as assistant coach, defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator and helped the Panthers to a 23-12 overall record. Birmingham Southern went 14-5 in 2012 and won the school's first Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) title, which earned the school's first NCAA playoff berth in just its third season. Newton's defense caused 366 turnovers over two seasons and ranked eighth among 2012 NCAA Division III leaders in man-down efficiency (83.7%) and 37th in opponents' goals per game (7.63).

"Phil brings a lot of excitement and energy to practice every day," said Carmean. "We are certain he will be a piece that continues to elevate our play in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference and on a national scale."

A native of Supply, N.C., Newton starred for North Mecklenburg High School's lacrosse team and earned a scholarship to NCAA Division II Catawba College. The three-year starting defender helped the Indians to their first Deep South Conference Championship in 2007 and started his coaching career at his alma mater immediately after graduating in 2008 with a history degree. Newton coached Catawba's offense, defense and face-off unit over his two seasons.

Newton is a veteran lacrosse camp instructor, with appearances at the University of North Carolina Lacrosse Camp, the Dixie Top 150 Recruiting Camp and the Top 205 Lacrosse Camp among others.

Carmean's Quakers open the 2013 season Feb. 9 with a scrimmage at Catawba before returning home to host Colorado College Feb. 17 in Guilford's official season opener.